Most married people at one point or another of their marriage hit a spot where it seems like most of the arguments are about kids and money. Here are some tips on avoiding the money arguments:
1. Divide the sum of your disposable money. If you are a saver, save your half. If you are intent on buying something with it, or if your husband wants to buy a pair of nasty speakers with it, he can do it with his own half. This always allows the fiscally conservative spouse to save some of the money.
2. Every month ask each other if there are things you want. Write down your top three and cross out two. Then plan for when and how you can purchase the remaining two items.
3. If you disagree about giving allowances to kids, see if you can settle for giving points to kids which they can in turn convert into cash allowances.
4. Don't talk about money when you're hungry. Most people get into heated arguments when blood sugar is low. If you want to talk about money, do it on a full stomach. Odds are you will get farther in making a deal when you are not at the mercy of your insulin.
5. Never spend large amounts on credit cards without your spouse's knowledge. This is one of the top deal breakers in marriages.
6. Use a site like Mint.com to create a budget and spending plan. This helps you put your budget in plain view and share it with your spouse.
Copyright 2008 Mina N. Sirkin
